Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
